It was a beautiful day for a solemn affair. At 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 12, 37 riders hit the road at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda with a Greater Sudbury Police escort for a 95-kilometre ride around Greater Sudbury.
And while the weather was perfect for such an event, the purpose was far more serious. Greater Sudbury’s inaugural Paramedic Ride raised funds for the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation, but it also raised awareness of the challenges that come along with being a paramedic.
The local ride wound through the city before finishing up at the Bell Park Gazebo for a closing ceremony. Wearing matching bright green shirts the riders lined up with their backs to Ramsey Lake as volunteers read out the names of paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty, nearly 50 in total.
Similar events have been held at seven other communities across the country this month. Some of the funds raised will go toward the construction of a monument in Ottawa to commemorate fallen paramedics. Funds will also be used to support the work of the memorial foundation.
“This important monument will be a place where family, friends and colleagues can remember their loved ones and honour the dedication and sacrifice of all Canadian Paramedics who have lost their lives. We hope you can join us in 2021 and experience the journey with us,” the group said in a news release.
